Fishing on the Apache Reservations

Arizona's Apache Reservattions are located in the White Mountains. There are two different Apache Tribes in the White Mountains, so there are two Reservations (White Mountain and San Carlos).

The Black River separate the two Indian reservations (indicated by the blue line on the image above).

Fishing is open to the public on both reservations, but special tribal permits are needed.

It should also be noted that these tribal permits are unique to the reservation - so you couldn't fish on the White Mountain (a.k.a. Fort Apache) Indian Reservation using a San Carlos Tribal permit (and vice versa).

Each of the reservations have their own fishing permits, rules, and regulations. So be sure to check them before you go fishing. I've included as much information as possible to make things easier for you.

Below is a brief summary of fishing opportunities on each of the Apache Reservations as well as a link you can click for more detailed info.

White Mountain Indian Reservation

The White Mountain Apache Indian Reservation is also known as the Fort Apache Reservation. Of the two Apache reservations, it's the northern most one - near Show Low and Sunrise Ski Resort. It's also the place to catch apache trout.

The White Mountain Indian Reservation consists of 1.66 million acres (over 2,600 square miles). The elevation ranges between 2,600 feet in the Salt River Canyon in the southeast corner to over 11,400 feet at the top of Mt. Baldy. And there are more than 400 miles of streams on the reservation.

For more information about fishing on the White Mountain Apache Reservation, click here.

San Carlos Indian Reservation

The San Carlos Reservation is south the White Mountain Reservation and is slightly larger (1.86 million acres in size). As is the case with Fort Apache, permits are required to use any of the recreational areas in addition to fishing.

There are only four lakes on this reservation but over 200 ponds you can fish in.

While some of the lakes contain some species of fish that others don't, all the fish listed below can be found on the San Carlos Reservation.

• Largemouth Bass
• Black Crappie
• Carp
• Sunfish (redear)
• Bluegill
• Catfish (channel and flathead)
• Trout (rainbow and brown)

For more information about fishing on the San Carlos Apache Reservation, click here.

Apache Nation Fishing Links

White Mountain Apache Nation
San Carlos Apache Nation

Contact Information

San Carlos Recreation & Wildlife Department
P.O. Box 97
San Carlos, AZ 85550
(928) 475-2343
(888) 475-2344